fourth
Today, we began with breakfast at Mom’s friend’s house. We spent about an hour with Kim and her kids, eating fresh fruit and malesadas (hot custard-filled donuts rolled in sugar) and enjoying the spectacular view from their lanai. It overlooked all of the famous sites on the island – Diamondhead, Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, etc… It was breathtaking. (Click for a larger image…)
After breakfast, we went to the Punchbowl (why is it called that? I have no idea) – the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific. This memorial was erected to honor (and provide burial grounds) for soldiers who fought in all the Pacific battles (Pearl Harbor, Midway, etc…). It’s gorgeous – the graveyard is situated on the top of a mountain overlooking Honolulu.
The lawn in front of the memorial structure
Soldiers’ names are etched into the marble walls all over the memorial
A view of the memorial’s grounds,
Diamondhead crater in the distance
The edge of the cemetary, overlooking Honolulu
Honolulu, Diamondhead in the background
After leaving the Punchbowl, we went to the Hale Koa for a concert of military bands (a “Twilight Tattoo”). All the branches were there to play – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines – as well as a Drum and Fife corps from Washington DC and a local bagpipe group (ugh – have you ever heard 15 bagpipes all playing the same tune at the same time?). It was a very impressive event… quite a spectacle. It was a beautiful day.
The Pacific Fleet Band
The Marine Band
bagpipes?! I’m jealous. :)
love bagpipes!
I thought it was called the Punchbowl because either from the inside or the outside (or both) is kind of looked like a big bowl…maybe one you would store punch in. :) It was quite a few years ago, so I could be mistaken, but I vaguely remember is looking somewhat close to that–it wasn’t exact, but I could at least see a resemblance.
ugh… there’s nothing worse than bagpipes playing together. in fact, the only bagpipe song I can stand is Amazing Grace, played by ONE.
Shawn, maybe so. I didn’t see a punchbowl, but I was in it. I thought that was an odd name to call a cemetary. =)
Tara – I’m so glad you’re having a great time with the fam. I always love it when you post pictures – especially when you’re in Hawaii and I’m in Indiana… where it’s 50 degrees and has been raining so long we’re starting to think “ark.” Take care and keep the pictures coming!